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Island residents attack ferry levy

Barclay White

Moreton Bay travelers are set to be able to use Go Cards on ferries. Photo: Michelle Smith

Community groups representing residents of the southern Moreton Bay islands are angry that islanders are being asked to pay a levy to subsidise ferry travel to the islands.

Ferry services for the islands are currently privately run and not part of the TransLink system.

Under a deal struck between the state government and Redland City Council, the ferry system will be integrated into TransLink from July 1, 2013.

Three associations representing Macleay, Karragarra and Russell islands are angry that under the deal islanders will be stung with an $88 levy on top of their council rates.

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The secretary of the Macleay Island Progress Association, Merle Bowdon, also speaking on behalf of the Russell Island Progress Association and the Karragarra Island Progress Association, said the groups were united in their opposition to the levy.

“We're all for TransLink services to the islands,” Mrs Bowden said. “Our issue is councillors who have just hit islanders with another levy.

“If the subsidy was spread across the entire council area, we would support it,” she said.

Under the plan, a full fare that currently costs $18.40 for an adult trip to Brisbane will cost $10.53 on peak using a go card.

Residents will also receive free ferry travel between the southern Moreton Bay islands.

Mrs Bowden said making only southern Moreton Bay islands residents stump up the levy was unfair when they would struggle to pay it.

“We are noted as in the lowest socioeconomic areas in the state. This is another attack on us.”

The state government will invest almost $500,000 to integrate the go card system and the islands.

Redlands city mayor Karen Williams said that despite the levy the deal was good news for the islands.

“For this very small investment, residents will get not just savings on travel costs but better employment opportunities and access to facilities and services on the mainland or other islands,” Cr Williams said.

She told ABC radio that the levy was not spread across the entire region so that the plan would be passed by the council.

“To get this across the line with councillors who represent various parts of the city, we had to find a way that was equitable for them,” she said.

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